Dr. Bryan Jepson - Autism

Doctor Bryan Jepson's discussion of his book "Changing the course of Autism"

Fight Fan?

If you love fights of any kind, you've got to see this one.
If you detest fights of any kind, you will love this one.
Either way, watch this fight(?).

Paper Airplanes

My kids and I had a fun time tonight experimenting with different types of paper airplanes that I learned to make by looking at Alex's paper airplanes We tried 7 different models. Gage likes the planes that flip and loop, and Blake likes the planes that go straight and fast.
What is neat about the website is that their are instructions on how to make the planes, but I'm not very good at reading the directions and following them; however, the site also has videos of each plane being made. Now that is how I learn best; watching it being done.

Itchy Owie

It has been a rough year thus far for us up in Saltlick in regards to biting bugs. We seem to have more than our own share of pests: ants, ticks, spiders, gnats, horseflies, chiggers and no-see-ums. The last 2 on the list, I have experienced much in the past week, and it got me thinking that I don't even know what these 2 are, and I don't think I would know one if I saw one. Both, it turns out, they are both so small, there is no wonder I haven't ever really seen one in detail enough to know what it was.
So, I did a little internet research, and out of the kindness of my heart have elected to share my findings with you. Enjoy.
No-see-ums (biting midges) pictured above
Chiggers

Living in Coal Country

I have always been skeptical of people that complained about big business treating them unfairly. I'd watch a show like 60 Minutes or 20/20 and see some guy or gal going on and on about how this or that company had come in and just destroyed their lives. And I would think, "Waa Wah Waa!!! Quit your whining and just move." I guess I was thinking that they were just overly dramatizing the situation to get something for nothing. Over the past 4 years, my lack of sympathy has resulted in a swift kick by "just desserts."
Living within 1/8 mile of a coal mine and having at least 10 mines (deep and surface) within a 5 mile radius of my home, I am now well aware of the hardships associated with living in coal country. In Eastern Kentucky, coal is not only the primary revenue generator for the area, it essentially is what almost all other revenue sources are dependent upon. Because of this, the people of Eastern Kentucky are expected to endure whatever the coal companies dish out.

My personal experiences have included the following in just the past 4 years:
*loss of 4 water wells,
*loss of water usage for a day or more on no less than 40 occasions,
*dirty water greater than 20% of time, filthy water greater than 5% of time,
*the effects of dirty water on brand new appliances and fixtures,
*the smell of Methane gas in our water,
*excessive mud on road,
*coal dust on my house, porch, porch furniture, yard and on my kids (because of it being on the afore mentioned),
*loss of use of our vegetable garden due to dust,
*noise from the mine fan 24-7 for nearly 365 days per year,
*noise from the machinery often beyond dark (at times beyond midnite and beginning again in before 6am),
*blasts (although speaking with a mine inspector revealed that "That mine doesn't blast. They don't have a permit to do so."),
*dealing with coal trucks
-noise, dust, mud, excessive speeds on one lane roads, discourteousness, overloaded, wear and tear on roads

So, my education has been extensive, expensive and exasperating at times. I hope to stop learning soon.
The small man has no recourse. What government official would possibly stick his neck out to help you by opposing the hand that is feeding him? None that is going to stick around for long. The only voice that we have is involvement with a group such as KFTC (Kentuckians for the Commonwealth). My brother-in-law Rick Handshoe introduced me to the organization, and I thought it would be worthwhile to introduce you to the organization as well.

Helium Balloon Ride

How many movies or cartoons have you seen where someone grabs too many helium balloons and takes off flying through the air?

Well, some guy has actually done just that, but he did it on purpose while sitting in a lawn chair. He said that it was incredibly peaceful and that he was able to hear things on the ground like cattle moos and people talking. All I would have been able to hear would have been my teeth chattering and my knees knocking.

Helium Balloons Carry Man in Lawnchair 193 Miles

Are you taking cholesterol medicine?

Are you taking cholesterol medicine? If you are, are you aware of a disorder called rhabdomyolysis? If not, I recommend that you become aware of it.
In brief, this disorder can occur if high levels of statin in your body prevent the production of crucial proteins utilized in muscle function. The result minimally can be muscle soreness and rapid fatigue associated with exertional activities, and at worst, can lead to kidney failure and death.
My brother, Larry, and a close friend, Shane, have both been taking cholesterol medications and have both had unexplained diffuse muscle and joint pains. After suffering with the symptoms for way too long, they both have come to find that the medications they were taken were the culprits.
If you would like to know more, here are some resources:
Mayo Clinic rhabdo info

American Family Physician rhabdo info

Space Doc rhabdo info
Please feel free to contact me with your insights, suggestions, concerns or questions regarding this matter.